Your guide to holiday fun across Saginaw, Midland, Bay City and the Great Lakes Bay Region. Bundle up, grab the family, and keep it tuned to The Bay for all the Christmas music you love!
Tap any event name for details and tickets.
NOV 14–JAN 2
Nightly · Dow Diamond, Midland · Ticketed
45 nights and more than a million lights, with immersive displays and festive entertainment for the whole family.
DEC 1–23
Corner of M-20 & Main St., Downtown Midland
Midland's beloved Santa House opens next to the County Courthouse. Check midlandfoundation.org for Santa's hours.
NOV 6–7
Downtown Midland
Shops and restaurants roll out holiday merchandise and seasonal menus. Enter to win decorated wreaths as you stroll!
FRI, NOV 20
4:30–8:30 PM · Downtown Saginaw · FREE
Saginaw's holiday kickoff: the Water Works lighting ceremony, Cookie House Competition, open houses along Washington Ave., horse-drawn carriage rides, and fireworks to end the night.
SAT, NOV 21
11:00 AM · Washington Ave. to Ojibway Island
This year's theme is “A Red, White & Blue Christmas,” mixing holiday cheer with patriotic spirit.
SAT, NOV 21
Parade, then Cocoa Crawl 12–2 PM · Downtown Midland
The parade theme is “Sounds of the Season.” Afterward, sample hot cocoa downtown and vote for the Golden Mug Trophy winner.
SAT, NOV 21
7:30 PM · Temple Theatre, Saginaw · FREE
The Eddy Band's annual holiday concert. Admission is free with the donation of a non-perishable food item.
FRI, NOV 27
Midland Center for the Arts
The a cappella favorites bring their holiday tour to Midland.
FRI, NOV 27
7:00 PM · Temple Theatre, Saginaw
The 1954 classic on the big screen under the Temple's golden ceiling.
SAT, NOV 28
2:00 PM · Temple Theatre, Saginaw
A holiday matinee of the Frank Capra favorite.
SAT, NOV 28
Downtown Midland
Start at the Welcome Station at Serendipity Road for coffee, cocoa and a free shopping bag (while supplies last), then shop local.
THU, DEC 3
6:30 PM · Downtown Midland · FREE
A festive 1-mile run or walk for all ages, pets and strollers. Bring nonperishable food for the Midland County Food Assistance Network.
DEC 4–6
Downtown Midland
Holiday shopping deals, painted window displays, and free horse-drawn carriage rides.
FRI, DEC 4
7:00 PM · Downtown Midland · 21+
Wear your ugliest Christmas gear and support downtown bars and pubs. Free to attend.
SAT, DEC 5
4:00 PM · Temple Theatre, Saginaw
The Choral Society's holiday concert celebrating local talent.
SUN, DEC 6
Midland Center for the Arts · FREE
A free holiday concert at the Center.
TUE, DEC 8
7:30 PM · Temple Theatre, Saginaw
The Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra performs holiday favorites, joined side-by-side by the Saginaw Bay Youth Orchestra.
THU, DEC 10
Midland Center for the Arts
Celtic and classic Christmas music with humor, step dance and foot-stomping energy.
★ OUR EVENT
SAT, DEC 12
10:00 AM · Bay Valley Resort, Bay City · Register at 973joefm.com
Grab a partner and toss some bags with the Michigan Cornhole Association! Sign up at 973joefm.com.
SAT, DEC 12
Afternoon · Midland Center for the Arts
The region's signature holiday concert, with the Midland Center Chorale and Broadway guest artist Dez Duron.
SUN, DEC 13
Midland Center for the Arts
Holiday favorites, jazz standards and classical arrangements from the famed brass ensemble.
DEC 17–20
Midland Center for the Arts
Midland Center's Youth Theatre brings Buddy the Elf to the stage.
★ OUR EVENT
SAT, DEC 19
Starts 11:00 AM · The State Theatre, Bay City · Admission: a toy!
11 AM Home Alone · 1 PM The Grinch · 3 PM The Polar Express · 5 PM National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Every toy goes to kids in our local hospitals.
DEC 19–20
Midland Center for the Arts
The national tour of Dolly Parton's musical twist on the Dickens classic, set in 1930s East Tennessee.
Events and times are subject to change. Please check with each organizer before you go.
